"Amika Maran came to one of my classes to talk about
Deanna and about non-violence. I really got a lot from the things
she said. I remembered times when I was one of the people in the
circle, edging the people on. Now I look back, and wonder how
I could have been so stupid. I look at things in a different light
now. Thank you so much for talking to my class. The things Amika
said will remain with me forever." -Emmanuel
Oliveria
"As much as I try to forget what happened to Deanna
that night, it still hurts deep in my heart to know that someone
has lost such a good person in less than a minute. Having this
presentation has changed the way I feel, I can prevent something
that I never thought possible. If there is more people that feel
the way I do, then we can make a difference." -Erica
Diaz
" I think that the presentation was an overall positive
experience. I also think that every student should hear the story
because its an eye opener to what the possibilities are to fighting.
It was a reality check for all. Thank you!!" -Elizabeth
Estrada
"I'm very sorry for the lose of a great person. She
was ripped out of this world too soon. Deanna's story will always
be with me. When ever I see fights and the ring of people starting
to form, I'll remember that terrible night. How a great person
was senselessly killed over nothing. The presantation was really
good. I really got a lot from it. The activities made it better
because it got us to really see what Amika was trying to say,
what she was trying to stop. It was easier for us to understand
what Amika saying. Thank you so much to Amika for taking time
to talk to our class. It really meant a lot to us."
-Anonymous
Testimonials gathered after a unit on non-violence, using the Deanna
Maran Foundation for Non-Violence curriculum. In response to the
question, ?What will you do to try to help spread non-violence?
“Try to have people stop fighting . . . and respect
each other." - Jenny
“Recognize the cluster (around a fight) . . . and try
to stop it.” -Daniel
“Be more respectful to other people.” -Jessie
“Help others (with) their problems.” -Mirela
“Try to hold my friends back (when they want to fight).”
-Nolan
“Help stop a fight.” -Richard
“Be nice to people.” -Jon-Li
“Try to find a parent or older person to hold them
back (from a fight).” -Raul
“Have more guest speakers to tell us about what violence
can lead to.” -Ambrosia
“Tell my friends not to fight.” -Michael
“Stop encouraging to fight.” -Craig
“Make sure to stop (a potential fight).”
-Manuel
